The Los Angeles Lakers have made their playoff chances appear more promising in recent weeks and will look to keep the winning attitude going when they take on the hosting Indiana Pacers Friday night at 7 p.m. ET.
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Kobe Bryant suffered a scary injury his last time out, but Los Angeles may still have its superstar guard in the lineup Friday night when it visits the Indiana Pacers.
Bryant severely sprained his left ankle on a missed game-tying shot in the closing seconds of a 96-92 loss to Atlanta on Wednesday, landing on Dahntay Jones' foot and crumpling to the ground.
Despite that, Bryant will be a game-time decision Friday as coach Mike D'Antoni said he is getting better every day. Bryant, among the league leaders with 27.5 points per contest, hasn't missed a game since the 2009-10 season.
"That's not the Kobe I know," guard Steve Nash said of the possibility of Bryant sitting out. "We'll see how he feels. ... This is his team and everyone respects him."
The Pacers expect Bryant to play.
The Lakers (34-32) have recently found their stride in a season marked by lack of chemistry, occasional discord and injury, winning four straight and 17 of 23 prior to Wednesday. They own a half-game lead over the Jazz for eighth place in the Western Conference.
Jodie Meeks would likely figure to start if Bryant can't go. Meeks is averaging 8.0 points in 19.1 minutes per game.
Even if the hobbled Bryant plays, the Lakers may have to lean more heavily on center Dwight Howard, who has finally returned to form with 21.8 points and 16.2 rebounds over his last five contests. He averaged 15.9 points and 12.1 boards in his first 55 games.
The Pacers (40-24) need Hibbert to continue his strong production with Danny Granger out at least two more games due to knee soreness. Granger, who will have the knee re-evaluated at the end of the week, has missed all but five games and sat out four straight since that brief five-game return.
Granger didn't play in the teams' first meeting, a 79-77 Pacers road win Nov. 27. Bryant had 40 points and 10 rebounds, but the Lakers shot 31.9 percent. George Hill led Indiana with 19 points and David West added 16, 10 boards, eight assists and two blocks.